Galaxy S22+ 5G • Locked T-Mobile vs Google Pixel 7 Pro • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G, released in February 2022, and the Google Pixel 7 Pro, launched in October 2022, are both prominent Android smartphones. While both devices offer a premium Android experience, they cater to slightly different user priorities. The Galaxy S22+ emphasizes a refined hardware design and a comprehensive feature set within Samsung's ecosystem, whereas the Pixel 7 Pro focuses on advanced computational photography and a streamlined software experience directly from Google.

When considering the longevity of these devices, both the Samsung Galaxy S22+ and the Google Pixel 7 Pro offer substantial software support, though with some differences in duration and focus.

• Software Updates: The Galaxy S22+ launched with Android 12 and was promised four major OS updates and five years of security updates, reaching Android 16 and security patches until early 2027. The Pixel 7 Pro, released with Android 13, is guaranteed five years of both OS and security updates from its launch, extending its support potentially to Android 17 or 18 and security updates until October 2027.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S22+ received a low repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, largely due to the extensive use of strong adhesive and a glued-in battery without pull tabs, making DIY repairs challenging. In contrast, the Pixel 7 Pro scored 5.5 out of 10 in repairability, with screen replacements being relatively straightforward, though battery replacement can be complex due to strong adhesive, and the charging port is soldered to the motherboard.
• Build Durability: Both smartphones feature robust construction with Gorilla Glass Victus protection on the front and back, coupled with aluminum frames and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a high level of physical resilience against everyday elements.

The performance of the Galaxy S22+ and Pixel 7 Pro is tailored by their respective hardware and software optimizations, impacting daily usage and demanding applications differently.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S22+ is equipped with a processor that handles everyday tasks smoothly, but users engaging in intensive gaming or prolonged heavy use might experience the device warming up and occasional performance dips after about an hour. The Pixel 7 Pro features a processor optimized for artificial intelligence tasks, providing a very responsive experience for general applications, navigation, and media consumption. While adequate for gaming, it can also generate heat during extended demanding sessions.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S22+ typically comes with 8GB of RAM and offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The Pixel 7 Pro provides more flexibility with 8GB or 12GB RAM configurations and storage options up to 512GB, which can benefit users who frequently switch between many applications or store large amounts of data.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22+ houses a 4500 mAh battery, providing approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes of continuous video playback in tests, generally sufficient for a full day of moderate use. The Pixel 7 Pro, with its larger 5000 mAh battery, achieved about 10 hours and 50 minutes in similar video rundown tests. However, some Pixel 7 Pro users have noted that heavy use, particularly on 5G networks, can lead to more frequent charging.

The visual experience on both devices is a highlight, though they offer different characteristics in display technology and clarity.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S22+ features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors and deep black levels, presenting content with Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels). The Pixel 7 Pro utilizes an LTPO AMOLED display, offering a sharper Quad HD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), which results in finer detail and clarity for text and images.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S22+ can reach a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, providing excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Pixel 7 Pro offers a peak brightness of up to 1500 nits, which is also very capable for outdoor use, though slightly less bright than the S22+.
• Smoothness and Size: Both phones feature an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy S22+ has a 6.6-inch display, offering a substantial viewing area. The Pixel 7 Pro provides a slightly larger 6.7-inch screen, which can enhance the immersive experience for media consumption.

Both the Galaxy S22+ and the Pixel 7 Pro are equipped with advanced camera systems, each with distinct strengths in photography and videography.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S22+ features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. It excels in capturing detailed photos with accurate colors and offers improved low-light performance through its 'Nightography' features. The Pixel 7 Pro also has a triple-camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens with autofocus, and a 48MP telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom. Its strength lies in computational photography, producing consistently high-quality images across various lighting conditions, particularly noted for its zoom capabilities.
• Front Camera and Video: The Galaxy S22+ includes a 10MP front camera that performs well for selfies, though some users suggest it could be improved. It supports 8K video recording. The Pixel 7 Pro features a 10.8MP front camera that delivers good selfies, especially in terms of color accuracy. While it records 4K video, some user reviews indicate that video quality can sometimes exhibit noticeable sharpening and exposure shifts.
• Audio Experience: Both devices offer stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience. The Pixel 7 Pro also incorporates a noise-cancellation microphone, which can enhance call quality and audio recording.